ANCIENT customs were performed and water was pumped from a well for the first time in 50 years as part of Kingswood's millennium celebrations on May Day.
But the highlight of the day was a well-dressing ceremony - an ancient English floral tradition seldom if ever performed outside Derbyshire.
Kingswood residents, who formed an association in 1995, wished to mark the renovation of their well and pump which someone had tried to steal two years ago.
The residents also planted an evergreen Luccombe oak tree so that future generations could "sit by the well in the shade of the old oak tree and share the pleasure of each other's company".
The ceremony began with a blessing by the Rev. Elfrida Savigear before everyone sang All Things Bright and Beautiful.
A plaque, made from clay donated by the North Devon Clay Company, was unveiled by Barry Watkin.
Then John Griffiths and Richard Harrison pumped the first water from the well in 50 years, Les Pike and Suzie Griffiths carried a bucket across the road and Christine and Geoff Hayes watered the Luccombe oak.
A number of residents spent many hours preparing the site with a floral tableau - and a song, The Kingswood Pump, was written for the occasion.
The ceremony over, the Kingswood Band led a procession to the field for the afternoon's fun and entertainment.
Kingswood residents' association was triggered by the Neighbourhood Watch scheme and developed into a social group with theatre trips, a millennium party at Bee World and various other events.
John and Suzie Griffiths and Richard Harrison led the pump renovation project and funding was provided by CRASH Stogumber Heritage Fund.
Pictured at the pump are, from the left, Brian Heaton, John Griffiths and Richard Harris.